Tuesday, January 27, 2009

So there's this cartoon channel I let the kids watch occasionally. You know the kind...ALL cartoons ALL the time. Well I turn in on around 7am when they get up and it doesn't go off until bedtime. Ok, I'm totally kidding. (What kind of mom do you think I am?) But it does come in handy sometimes around 4:30 when I'm trying to make dinner and need them out of the road. Only drawback to this little activity? Infomercials. So the other day a package came for my totally fit and awesome husband (love you honey!!). He ordered this pull-up bar that fits in the door jam. We opened the box before he got home and here's the conversation that followed:

Sarah: WHOA Mom! Does Dad want to get ripped!!

Abbey: Why does Dad want to get ripped?

Sarah: I don't know. Maybe so he can pick up cows with one finger?

Well of course! Isn't that why we all want to get ripped? I hadn't thought of that one. And in case you're wondering: yes, I did try it. My current record is...not even one. I hung there like a wet noodle. Hey, just keepin' it real.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Generally speaking, we frown upon that sort of thing. Did I watch her do it? Oh yeah... I had a perfect view of her painting herself instead of the paper. But she was on the patio and I was in the living room reading with Sarah. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Lauren was quiet and entertained. Who am I to quibble about particulars? Besides, the paint specifically says on the side of the bottle "will not stain hands". "No problem!" I think to myself. A little soak in the tub and she'll be squeaky umm... pink again. Well..not so much. Think it'll wear off by Sunday?

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Yes, another homeschooling post. My best advice is.. get used to it. It's like trying to hold back the tide. So here goes. Curriculum. I did quite a bit of research into this, and let me tell you..there are literally thousands, probably even tens (hundreds?) of thousands, of different curriculum to choose from. I finally found one that gave me that tingly feeling of "ahhhh yes.. this is exactly what I've been looking for." It just made sense to me. The main book I'm following is The Well-Trained Mind, A Guide to Classical Education at Home. It's basically a step by step guide of how and what to teach per grade level. Heavy on the history, reading, and writing. So far I've really enjoyed her book recommendations, especially the grammar and history books. Great, great material. Another book I really enjoyed was A Thomas Jefferson Education, which stresses the importance of mentoring and teaching from the classics.(Yep Laura, we're totally on the same page) Good stuff to pack away in the grey matter, even if you're not homeschooling. Ok, I could go on and on about what I chose for math, spelling, handwriting, etc, etc. But figuring out how to do all those amazon links was a serious pain in the rear. I'm going to bed. Night all.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

I'm trying not to turn this blog into a homeschooling stream of consciousness. But honestly, that's my life right now. What else can I write about? Teaching my kids has become my work, hobby, passion, entertainment etc..etc.. Is this healthy? Probably not. Am I happy? Not quite sure how to answer that. It's complicated. I love teaching them. I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing right now. Some days it's really fun and other days, not so much. I can see awesome results in so many ways and it's only been two months. I love the curriculum (more about that later), the flexiblity, and just the joy of learning. I'm getting to know my kids on a whole new level. I'm also seeing some of my own weaknesses with greater clarity. That part's not so fun..in fact I really hate it. Why can't I just be, well... perfect? Stop laughing. I've wanted to do things perfectly since I can remember. It's a curse for obvious reasons. Anyway, one of the major challenges with homeschooling is what to do with my younger two? Very spicy and high maintenance little red heads. It's nearly impossible for me to enjoy math/grammar/reading when I have a crying baby and/or mischievous toddler in the background. There's no denying it. Lauren has an evil gift for finding trouble. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

And this picture has nothing to do with my post. I just thought it was funny. We have some really obnoxious neighbor kids the girls wish would move (yea, I do too). They just said something ornery to Sarah and Abbey. The expression on their faces tells the whole story doesn't it?

Thursday, January 1, 2009

It's that time of year. The tree is down and decorations put away. I'm supposed to make "resolutions" that will make my life better. Lose twenty pounds, go to bed earlier, read my scriptures daily, recycle. Those (and many others) have been my resolutions for the last five years. Well to heck with it! This yearly goal thing isn't workin for me. I just want to think about today. So in an effort to cheer myself up I think I'll make a happy list. This is what I'm grateful for today.

I'm glad the holidays are over. It's nice to be home.

There's roast in the oven and it smells awesome. I'm grateful for food.

And milk. I love milk.

My husband loves me even when my mood is a little stormy.

Besides a nasty cold, I'm healthy.

I have a drawer full of chocolate.

My kids have very healthy lungs.

Tyler's molar is almost through. Hallelujah.

I feel a little better. Now for plan B...that drawer full of chocolate. I'll lose twenty pounds next year.